bp Chargemaster has partnered with Marks & Spencer (M&S) in a new EV trial to gauge customer use at the latter’s stores.

The rapid charge points installed at the Maidstone M&S store mark the start of a five-store trial

bp Chargemaster and M&S have partnered to assess the use of electric vehicle (EV) rapid charging at the latter’s stores across the UK, with a new Maidstone installation serving as the first of a five-store trial.

The Maidstone store is M&S’s newest, located at the Maidstone Eclipse Park (close to junction 7 of the M20 in Kent).

The trial sees three 50kW UK-made rapid chargers positioned in the store’s car park and powered by 100% renewable electricity, which also feature contactless payment terminals and tri-standard connectors for CCS, CHAdeMO and “Chameleon” AC rapid charging.

bp Chargemaster says users typically spend 30 minutes plugged in at a rapid charger, which allows customers time to browse in store while their car charges. The chargers have been paid and installed by bp Chargemaster, which operates around 600 rapid charge points across the UK as well as operating the UK’s largest charge point network.

Helen Milford, director of stores for M&S said, “At M&S we know our actions today protect our planet for tomorrow and we’re committed to the use of renewable energy within our own operations and supporting our customers, which makes this a really exciting trial for us. As we create a store estate for the new world it’s critical our shops are in the right locations, digitally connected and offer trusted value products and services such as the rapid chargers – we’re looking forward to seeing the customer response to our trial in Maidstone.”

Matteo de Renzi, CEO of bp Chargemaster, said: “As well as serving existing M&S customers who already, or may soon drive electric vehicles, we expect the rapid chargers to bring new customers to these stores. They are in the right locations to support those driving along the strategic road network and provide a great opportunity to charge while you shop.”

bp and M&S are long-standing partners in retail convenience in the UK. The pair joined forces in 2005 to roll out M&S Simply Food stores at bp Connect sites – where bp Chargemaster is also building a network of ultra-fast 150kW EV chargers. There are now more than 290 M&S Simply Food stores at bp retail sites.